Wayne Rooney Questions Mohamed Salah’s Role Amid Liverpool Struggles

Mohamed Salah contributed to 47 Premier League goals for Liverpool last season, yet his recent performances have come under scrutiny. Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has advised Liverpool manager Arne Slot to consider omitting Salah from the lineup, especially following the team’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

In a recent podcast episode, Rooney remarked, “If I were Slot, I would make a bold decision to influence the team’s dynamics.” He expressed concern over Salah’s lack of defensive support, stating, “If you are one of the new signings on the bench and witness Salah not exerting himself, what message does that convey?”

Salah, a club legend, is currently facing criticism despite having netted five goals this season. His exceptional performance last season, where he became the first player in Premier League history to lead in both goals and assists while also winning the Player of the Season award, is now overshadowed by the team’s current struggles. Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp and led Liverpool to a title in his debut season, has seen his side falter, sitting 11th in the league with just 18 points from 12 matches.

Rooney noted, “They’re enduring a challenging period. The unfortunate situation with Jota must affect the team as he is a key player among them. However, there is no justification for a lack of effort or tackling.”

In the aftermath of Saturday’s loss, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized that responsibility lies with every team member. With Slot’s squad managing only one victory in their last seven league matches, the legacy of former manager Klopp appears to be casting a long shadow over the Dutchman.

Rooney commented, “Slot faces a significant challenge in rejuvenating the team’s performance and securing wins. When results falter, Klopp’s name tends to resurface. It’s reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence; when David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal took charge at Manchester United, Ferguson’s legacy was always brought up. In Slot’s case, it’s the same with Klopp.”

He concluded by urging Liverpool fans to shift their focus away from comparisons with Klopp and rally behind their current manager.